The curious case of the Caucasus

03 May 2010 | Audio

The Caucasus region is one of 34 global biodiversity ‘hotspots’. It has an impressive range of landscapes and unusually diverse species, many of which can only be found in this area. But the Caucasus is also one of the world’s most ethnically-complex regions, with many serious problems to overcome.

IUCN’s office in Southern Caucasus, together with IUCN Members, Commissions and other organizations, is leading a growing number of projects to protect the region’s unique biodiversity and help enhance the lives of local communities by promoting a sustainable use of natural resources.

Anja Wittich, Southern Caucasus Programme Coordinator, explains IUCN’s conservation work in the region and the many challenges posed by its biological and cultural diversity.